Former Residence of Hu Xueyan, Chinese merchant mansion in Shangcheng District, China.
The Former Residence of Hu Xueyan is a large mansion built with traditional Chinese architecture, carved decorations, and several courtyards linked by covered walkways. The different rooms are furnished with period pieces and artworks that show how wealthy families arranged their homes.
The mansion was built in 1875 for Hu Xueyan, who started as a bank clerk and rose to become one of the most successful merchants of the Qing Dynasty. His journey from a simple employee to a wealthy businessman shows the economic shifts that took place during that era.
The residence displays how wealthy merchants lived in the 1800s, with furniture and artworks from Ming and Qing periods throughout its rooms. Visitors can observe how such families arranged their spaces and what objects mattered most to them.
The residence is open daily and easy to locate; arriving early helps you avoid crowds. Wear comfortable shoes since you will walk through several courtyards and long corridors to see all the rooms.
Within the gardens sits an artificial karst cave with ponds and bridges that recreate the natural scenery of Hangzhou West Lake. These carefully designed gardens served as private retreats where the family could escape their daily routines.
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